Expo offers free entertainment, seminars, panels and speakers

Courtesy photoEric Chun, musician, teacher and a CCD Expo organizer, will speak and perform at the Content, Creation and Distribution Expo on Friday and Saturday.

CourtesyGrammy Award winning musician, song writer and music producer Narada Michael Walden will participate in this weekend's Content, Creation and Distribution Expo in Downtown Loomis.

This weekend it’s all about entertainment and how to create, produce, and make money on music, films and videos using new technology – and it’s all free.
The Content, Creation and Distribution Expo will be held this Friday, Sept. 16, and Saturday, Sept. 17, in downtown Loomis. Free nonstop entertainment from morning to afternoon and free speakers, panel discussions and workshops will give the do-it yourself video, movie or music producer all the how-tos they’ll need to be successful.
According to expo organizer, Peter Oakes, there are programs by and for musicians, song-writers, scriptwriters and camera operators that tell how to do it. And in order to make money on the finished product, there are programs on writing a business and marketing plan, self-promotion, using social media and networks, and using the internet to sell the end product.
Eric Chun, a musician, producer, artist, writer, and teacher, is the director of the music industry portion of the Expo. He said the Expo “combines digital technology with the business of producing film and music.”
He said the 2-day event will draw creators of music and visual media; marketing and business people who interface with creators; and fans who want to meet people and be entertained.
Chun said the expo is geared to all ages, from high school students to professionals.
“It’s an all-encompassing event that deals with art and business,” he said.
Chun said top draw is expected to be an up close and personal presentation by multi-Grammy Award winner Narada Michael Walden at 11:45 a.m., Saturday, at the Blue Goose. He called Walden a “music industry icon” and said Walden’s Tarpan Studios is a “world-class recording studio” located in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Walden has been sought out by artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin, Wynonna Judd, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones, The Temptations and Jeff Beck. He was an integral part of introducing such superstars as Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey to millions of fans worldwide, by creating the breakthrough hits that first brought them to the spotlight. Billboard Magazine honored him as one of the Top Ten Producers of all time.
Walden has earned equal acclaim as a recording and performing artist. He began with the pioneering Mahavishnu Orchestra in the early 1970s, and made eleven acclaimed solo albums. Walden did groundbreaking soundtrack work on films such as "The Bodyguard," "Stuart Little" and the theme to the 1988 Olympic Games.
Another Expo highlight will be a presentation by cameraman Robert Reed Altman, son of legendary filmmaker Robert Altman, at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, at the main stage in Blue Anchor Park. The senior Altman is most remembered for his films “Mash,” “Nashville” and “Popeye.” Robert Reed Altman grew up working on his father’s films and later served as camera operator on such television shows as “Alien Nation,” “Melrose Place,” and he served as second unit DP on the hit series “The Wonder Years.”
For more information, go to ccdexpo.com.
CONTENT, CREATION AND DISTRIBUTION EXPO
What: Free music, entertainment, workshops, panels and speakers
When: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday, Sept. 16 and Saturday, Sept. 17
Where: Downtown Loomis, at Blue Anchor Park, Loomis Train Depot, Blue Goose Fruit Shed and Koinonia.
Cost: Parking and admission are free
Information: ccdexpo.com